Venturi (the company that brought us the autonomous solar/wind powered Eclectic) has now introduced the AstroLab, the world's first commercially available electric-solar hybrid. The vehicle is capable of working with very little energy; it can recharge while in motion and does not need permanent exposure to the sun in order to move.

The AstroLab performs surprisingly well for a non-petrol vehicle. It reaches a top speed of 120 kilometers per hour (about 74.5 mph) and has a range of 110 km (about 68 miles). Astrolab attains this level of performance thanks to its ultra-light carbon monocoque (single-shell) chassis, which serves as an oversize protection cel, in case of collisions, and the 3.6-square-meter (about 38.75 square feet) photovoltaic cells on its surface.

One of the tricks AstroLlab employs to make the best use of solar energy is the efficiency of the photovoltaic cells used in the solar cells. The cells are covered by a film of nanoprisms, which enable a denser concentration of solar energy with an exceptional yield of 21 percent. Like the Eclectic, the AstroLab uses liquid-cooled NiMH Venturi NIV-7 batteries; these enable it to be plugged into the electricity grid. Venturi will sell the Astrolab for 92,000 euros ($115,811), with the first vehicles off the production line due for delivery in January 2008.

Via Gizmag and AutoblogGreen.

For our review of the Toyota Camry Hybrid, click here.